Free to Experience Peace

Over the last few weeks we have looked at some of what the Unconditional Good News frees us from….performance, condemnation and fear- to name them.  Now, let us bask in an aspect we are free to experience. The Unconditional Good News sets us free to experience peace!  Peace is defined as: Freedom from agitation or disturbance by the passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety or the like; quietness of mind; tranquility; calmness; quiet of conscience (http://webstersdictionary1828.com).

 As we recognize we are completely loved by Christ we are free from earning approval, from being judged and punished and, when we fail, from being rejected.  Having this corrected outlook of who we are, then we are able to set our minds on peace. “Setting our minds on” implies it takes effort and will not happen without conscientious energy. It is so easy to pick up any of our chains again,  but Romans 8:5-6 says,

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (ESV)

We want to live our lives according to the Spirit! Once our outlook is corrected though, we need to let that peace of Christ have rule, sway and dominion.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

to which indeed you were called in one body.

And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 ESV)

No only does the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, it guards our hearts and minds! While we are setting our minds on things of the Spirit we receive peace, which then can rule and guard our hearts minds yielding peace! What an awesome circle of peace!

  

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

And so…

To those who are called,

beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. (Jude 1:1b-2 ESV)